Tarot, numerology, crystals, divination, dowsing rods—there are many divinatory tools. Each person uses the one that resonates most with them. But it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle! In a previous article, we introduced three lesser-known tools, and you really liked it. So today, we’re bringing you another one: salt divination, or alomancy. Ready to discover this ancient oracle?
What is Alomancy?
Alomancy is an ancient form of divination that uses everyday items to deliver messages and interpretations. Etymologically, “halo” means “salt,” and “manteia” means divination. So, it’s the practice of reading the shapes formed by salt crystals. This is similar to caféomancy and tasseomancy, which involve reading the patterns left by coffee grounds or tea leaves.
But that’s not all! Alomancy was also used as a ritual to communicate with deities, particularly in ancient societies where salt symbolized a sacred pact and eternity.
Alomancy is an extremely little-known divination tool. It’s difficult to find information about it, leading many to mistakenly believe it’s a rudimentary practice. But that’s not true! It’s one of the oldest oracles in history. In the early days of humanity, it was used by the first seers. But why was it so important?
Without going into physical and geological details, salt is made up of chlorine and sodium. Due to its natural production in the sea and on land, salt has purifying and preservative properties. This made it an essential food and material for daily life. In several cultures, it was also seen as a tool to ward off evil spirits and seal sacred spaces.
Moreover, in ancient Rome, salt was the pay for soldiers (salarium), as it was a rare and expensive product. To give another example: among shamans, salt often served as a bridge between earthly and celestial energies.
Protection, purification, rarity—it’s no wonder it became a divinatory tool!
Alomancy: Different Readings and Interpretations
Salt, being a common food item today (though once rare and costly), has been used in different ways depending on the time period and the culture.
Closed Question: Throwing Salt into the Fire
This technique is probably the most well-known: you throw salt into the fire and listen for the answer. Listen? Yes! This method is a type of pyromancy. It’s used to get a yes or no answer to a closed question. To do this, the diviner asks a question, then throws a handful of coarse salt onto a very hot plate, listening to the crackling sound it makes as it burns. If the crackling (or burning) is faint, the answer is yes. If it’s loud, the answer is no.
Interpretations can go further. Prolonged noise may indicate obstacles, while complete silence could signal a need for caution or silence.
This technique also involves throwing salt, but not letting it burn. For this alomancy technique, the diviner asks an open question, throws the salt into the air, and lets it fall onto the ground (or a flat surface). They then interpret the answers from the shapes formed by the salt. This technique is more complex, as it requires knowledge of the various interpretations of the shapes left by the salt. Here are some possible interpretations:
As we’ve seen, salt used to be a rare and costly commodity. Spilling it on the table was considered a waste—and, especially in the Middle Ages, it was a bad omen, signaling potential financial disaster.
Throwing Salt Over Your Left Shoulder: Good Luck!
Contrary to the tradition above, it’s not uncommon to counter bad luck by wasting salt. But there’s a specific method: throwing salt over your left shoulder can ward off the evil eye. Why the left shoulder? We usually think that Satan stands on the left shoulder of every person. Throwing salt over the left shoulder blinds the devil, thus warding off bad luck.
As you can see, alomancy doesn’t have strict rules. Like all forms of divination, interpretations are often left to the seer’s discretion. But you can also try reading the salt yourself!
Personally, I think the easiest method is the open question technique:
Take a handful of coarse salt
Ask a clear and specific question
Believe in yourself
Throw the salt into the air and let it fall onto a flat surface or the ground
Look at the shapes and note your first impression.
You can also do some extra research online to interpret the shapes you see.
Tip: To enhance the experience, create a meditative atmosphere with candles and focus on your intention.
Alomancy: A Journey into the Mysteries of Salt
Though little-known, alomancy is a fascinating practice that taps into one of the oldest and most sacred elements in our world: salt. Rich in history and symbolism, salt isn’t just a condiment. It becomes a gateway to the invisible, allowing us to interpret the hidden energies and messages of the universe.
Today, in a world where modern techniques coexist with ancient traditions, why not rediscover this forgotten method and incorporate it into your personal rituals? Try alomancy to ask the universe questions. You might find unexpected answers in these grains of salt. Are you ready to let salt become your oracle?
Greetings, dear readers! I'm Isabella, a writer hailing from the charming city of Baltimore. Born on a warm summer's day in 1974, under the nurturing sign of Cancer, I've journeyed through life with a pen in one hand and a heart full of stories. As a proud mother of two brilliant lights, my daughter and son, I weave tales not just from imagination, but from the lived experiences that decorate our daily existence. My writing, a reflection of my soul, aims to simplify the complex and enlighten the curious. Join me as we explore the beauty of words and the power they hold to connect, heal, and reveal the world in new ways.
